Cuts to the Health and Human Services Department

The Trump Administration has begun a reduction in force for the Health and Human Services Department (HHS). The Administration plans to lay off up to 10,000 employees across several agencies within the department. “Combined with earlier layoffs and people who accepted early retirement offers, the total Health and Human Services workforce is expected to drop from 82,000 to 62,000 people.” (Wire et al)

This steep reduction raises concerns about HHS’ continued ability to provide timely services to Americans. This is particularly worrying, given that HHS’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees health care for millions of low-income and elderly Americans. Additionally, the Administration has cancelled billions of dollars in health care grants, reducing access to some mental health programs, and has proposed significant cuts to HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) workforce.

SAMHSA has played a vital role in supporting mental health through grantmaking, overseeing the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, resource creation, information sharing and much more. CMS helps ensure millions of Americans have access to health care. Furthermore, throughout HHS and the federal workforce, many counselors do essential work to improve the well-being of clients and their community.

HHS is deeply entwined in the counseling profession and mental health care accessibility. So, please take action with us; call on Congress to protect mental health care access and oppose cuts to HHS!

If you would like to get more involved in ACA’s advocacy efforts or have questions, please contact us at advocacy@counseling.org.